Translated by Sama Marwan,
The tuk-tuk first appeared in some remote areas of Egypt at the end of 2005, coming from India, “the land of wonders,” which is the largest manufacturer of this type of vehicle in the world.
It then began to gradually spread in some countries that started manufacturing it after it became a traditional internal means of transportation
Since then, the “tuk-tuk” empire has been expanding and spreading until it reached every inch of Egypt, even the upscale neighborhoods where tuk-tuks are prohibited.
These vehicles have infiltrated these areas in a moment of inattention.
I am well aware that this vehicle is a source of livelihood for many families and for disabled individuals who are unable to work in any other field.
Thus, the tuk-tuk, due to its ease of driving, has become a source of income for millions of Egyptian families.
But does this mean that some streets should turn into “jungles of tuk-tuks”? Does it mean that the tuk-tuk empire should impose itself on the Egyptian streets?
The state has taken an interest and enacted laws governing the licensing of tuk-tuks. Despite this, there are about three million unlicensed tuk-tuks roaming the streets of Cairo!
The state has outlined two important paths for tuk-tuks to safeguard the lives of these families.
The first path stipulates that if the tuk-tuk is not technically sound and does not meet safety and security conditions, it should be replaced with a gas-powered minivan that meets all technical and aesthetic standards.
It should be driven with a special driving license from the age of 18 and above, similar to the transition from black to white taxis.
The aim is to protect the Egyptian street from anything that compromises public security and to enhance the street’s aesthetic appearance.
The second path is ministerial and involves licensing tuk-tuks based on a decree from the Prime Minister, provided the tuk-tuk is technically sound and meets safety and security conditions.
This is in reference to a decision issued by the Ministry of Interior to amend some provisions of the Traffic Law, which includes updating the design of license plates and their data security, ensuring they are permanently fixed by the concerned traffic department at an official fee of 215 Egyptian pounds, and amending the terms “mechanical” and “mechanized” to “motorized.”
This is to officially verify the vehicle and its owner’s data with the General Traffic Administration, ensuring everyone’s safety.
If only the tuk-tuk empire would stop colonizing the streets of Cairo and abide by the law.